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Unit of study_

CSCD3093: Topics in Neuropsychology

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, Sydney

A cognitive neuropsychological approach to brain-behaviour relationships is presented and applied to understanding speech perception and production, language comprehension, attention, working memory and long-term memory. Models of language, attention, and memory are examined and their implications for clinical practice are considered. The major neurological disorders and psychological conditions that affect language, attention, and memory are discussed, along with approaches to cognitive and neuropsychological rehabilitation and recovery. Students acquire knowledge of normal cognition, the neuropsychological approach to brain- behaviour relationships and cognitive processes; the cognitive and behavioural consequences of brain damage and models of cognitive rehabilitation.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CSCD3093
Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
BACH2142
Prerequisites
? 
(CSCD2070 or BACH1165 or HSBH1003 or PSYC1001)
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Cognitive Neuropsychology

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Steven Cumming, steven.cumming@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final Exam
1 hour short answer/ MCQ exam
50% Formal exam period 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Literature review mini-lecture
Students will upload a 3-5 minute video presentation
10% Week 08 5 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Essay
Students will submit an essay one one of a range of topics provided to them
40% Week 12 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Mini-lecture

Assessment criteria

     
     
     
     

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day for submitted work

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to unit Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Selection of literature review topics Introduction to essays Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 02 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Attention & Perception 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- Covid-19 Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Attention & Perception 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- fear and anxiety Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Attention & Perception 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology - autism and reated conditions Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Language 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Language 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Language 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Memory 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Memory 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Memory 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Executive Function 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Disorders and Rehabilitation of Executive Function 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Contemporary topics in neuropsychology- student-led discussion (3 students) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Clinical neuropsychology : a practical guide to assessment and management for clinicians.

Goldstein, Laura H. (Laura Hilary), 1960-; McNeil, Jane E.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Describe the key assumptions and methodologies of neuropsychology and cognitive neuropsychology
  • LO2. Interpret patterns of performance with reference to models of language, attention, and memory
  • LO3. Develop expertise in spoken communication, written communication, and academic writing skills.
  • LO4. Explain therapeutic strategies for working with children, adults, and people who have brain injury, mood disorders, and / or dementia based contemporary evidence from the published literature
  • LO5. Use models of language, attention, and memory as a basis for understanding recovery, rehabilitation, neuroplasticity and therapeutic outcomes

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit of study in 2020

Work, health and safety

nil

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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